Zyprexa withdrawal...

[Kathush]

I am instructed to withdraw from something that helped me greatly because I fear getting blood test drawn. I am freakin fearful of needles so I chose not to get it done. Now my psychiatrist says to start withdrawing the zyprexa as this med requires a cholesterol blood test. Why are there conditions on my mental health meds?? Not fair, not fair at all.

[Kelkel00]

I’m so sorry. But maybe reconsider getting your blood drawn? I don’t like it either but I look away and barely even feel a thing!

🙏

[Dolphin14]

Hi Katush

I'm sorry you are going through this. Your Dr does have a responsibility to assess certain things before they prescribe. But, many psychiatrists don't follow through with lab work, monitoring blood pressures or weight.

Having said that it doesn't seem right at all to lose a helpful medication. I wonder if he could write up a refusal form. That takes the liability off him. Patients have a right to refuse testing. It's your body.

Do you have a primary care Dr that would consider prescribing?

If he is adamant you really should think about the pros and cons of this.

Best of luck

❤️🐬

[Kathush in reply to Dolphin14]

Thank you for respecting my fear of needles. I will ask my GP if she can write me up a script if all else fails.❤️❤️❤️

[Blueruth]

Call ahead and tell them to schedule an appointment with the most senior blood draw person. It takes seconds. I had high cholesterol. It’s no joke.

[Mxtmxxn]

Certain medications such as antidepressants or antipsychotics can affect your body negatively, it is sometimes needed to draw blood to check that it's not affecting your body too much. Your doctor should have explained this! Zyprexa increases cholesterol levels so it is highly important that they check your blood for tests.

[Mxtmxxn in reply to Mxtmxxn]

Why are you on Zyprexa? What have you been diagnosed with?

[Kathush in reply to Mxtmxxn]

Major depression!

[Mxtmxxn in reply to Kathush]

I see! I'd advise to do the blood draw, it's very important they not only keep you on the medication but to make sure it's not causing other negative problems such as high cholesterol in your case. It's for your own benefit. Little poke and it'll be over by the time you know it. Close your eyes, deep normal breaths, even ask for an alcohol pad to smell which can help you remain calm and have no nausea while they draw your blood!

[Dolphin14]

I did further research for you. Here is an article. I don't know if it's helpful or not.

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

[Pastor_of_Muppets]

I draw blood/place IVs for a living. I don't do it exclusively right now but I have, with adults and children. Here are some things that may help: Tell the person drawing your blood that you're anxious about it. Ask your doctor for a one-time dose of valium prior to going. Bring a driver who can hold your hand. Bring something to squeeze with the other hand. bring headphones and your favorite music. Bring a blanket. Picture yourself being finished with it and proud of yourself. Write down how it would go ideally (realistically) and have an idea of what that looks like. Watch some people online having blood drawn and note their reactions. Try hypnosis. Fear of needles is one of those things rooted in reality that gets blown up in our minds under the magnifying glass of anxiety. It doesn't feel good, but it often doesn't feel like much bad at all. It's understandable not to like it. If you liked it that'd be weird. 🙂